More about La Paz
Why Cruise to La Paz?
La Paz has become a hot spot for ecotourism; museums and a cultural center add to the diversity
If enjoying the plethora of marine life with a dive, beware of jellyfish
This cultural hub offers a more authentic provincial experience than other Mexican ports
La Paz Cruise Port Facilities?
Strolling from the in-town Port of La Paz along the three-mile-long Malecon Alvaro Obregon is a local tradition. The tiled seaside walkway is dotted with sculptures of marine animals and offers great bay views, as well as shops, cafes and restaurants. One block away is the Centro Cultural La Paz, housed in the restored 1910 city hall. Inside are a bookshop and Baja-themed exhibits (open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily). Three blocks inland is the city's main square, Plaza Constitucion, also called Plaza Jardin Velasco, with its tile-roofed gazebo and 1865 cathedral. The adjacent Centro de Artes Populares showcases art and photography (open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday).
At the Pichilingue dock, a craft market is set up on cruise ship days. There are no other facilities.
Good to Know?
La Paz is surrounded by turquoise waters teeming with exciting marine life, so swimming, snorkeling and diving with sea lions and whale sharks rate as top attractions. Anyone planning to go in the water should be aware of the chance of encountering jellyfish or getting a warning bite from a sea lion. Always follow the lead of your dive guide, wear protective gear (a wetsuit) and check out your underwater companions carefully.
Getting Around?
On Foot: With its streets radiating from the waterfront in a classic grid, La Paz is best explored on foot.
By Bus: Cruise lines such as Azamara offer complimentary shuttle buses from the Pichilingue cruise pier to town. Public buses leave daily at set departure times from the pier to Terminal Turistica on the malecon. Some buses stopping at the pier continue to the beaches at Tecolote and Balandra. Be sure to check the return schedule because buses can show up as infrequently as one every two to three hours.
By Taxi: Cab fare from the cruise ship terminal to downtown runs about $20. To visit beaches north and south of the city, either take a cab (La Paz taxis don't have meters, so agree on the fare upfront) or rent a car.
By Car: Most major car rental chains have offices along the malecon.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The official currency is the peso. Most restaurants, shops and hotels accept credit cards and U.S. dollars. Be aware, if you pay cash, the exchange rate may not be the best, and you will probably receive your change in pesos. It pays to carry small bills.
The best place for banks, ATMs and currency-exchange houses (casas de cambio) is on Calle 16 de Septiembre near the seaside walkway known as the malecon. Banks exchange currency from 9 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday. Most exchange houses such as Tony Money Exchange (Calle 16 de Septiembre) are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. If you need to change dollars for pesos on Sunday, large hotels are your best bet.
Language?
Mexico's official language is Spanish. English is widely spoken.
Where You're Docked?
Azamara Club Cruises, Holland America and Princess dock 10 miles (about 30 minutes' drive) north of town at the cruise ship terminal at Pichilingue, near the mainland ferry terminal. The smaller ships of Un-Cruise Adventures dock in town, within easy walking distance to attractions.